Tales of Cara - Cara House

"Cara House, I think 18th Century, was built, I think, as a Tacksman’s house who paid Largie Estate so much to lease the island. The Tacksman in turn would lease the island to a tenant and make himself a profit. An astute move. In the course of time owing to severe weather conditions and neglect the roof and doors collapsed – a fine home for the goats and also pigeons nesting.

"The Gigha men would go to Cara, spend a few days and nights there, snare rabbits, collect Ga’wanna – pigeons droppings used as potato fertiliser etc. There was an occasion when the Laird from Largie was on Cara with a shooting party, among them was the Archbishop of Canterbury who caught his foot in a snare. I wonder what his sermon would be the next Sunday. Apparently, it was a while before the Gigha men returned.

"To my knowledge, going back in time, the Laird was on Cara with a shooting party, also present was his family. An accident happened, one of his sons was accidentally shot! I think his name was Angus. The Broonie is believed to be his spirit.

"House name at Bellochantuy - there is an old house more or less the same as Cara House. It is Drumor-Na-Bodach– translation, I think is 'the ridge of the old man'."

As told by John Martin

More information on visiting the area can be found here.